LaRoche Jackson goes from grandstands to Sharks roster to help team break four-game skid

Don Coble

Thursday

Apr 23, 2015 at 10:35 PM

LaRoche Jackson watched last week's game between the Jacksonville Sharks and San Jose SaberCats as a fan from the grandstands. He wore a Sharks cap and cheered for the same team that released him two years ago.

When Sharks play Las Vegas Friday night at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, Jackson will have a better seat as a newly signed defensive back for the struggling team.

Kickoff is 8 p.m.

"I wasn't happy," Jackson said of a 68-48 loss to San Jose. "We were right there to make a play on defense. It's not like the guys can't make a play. They just didn't do it."

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After being released by Las Vegas early this season, Jackson called Sharks coach Les Moss before last week's game. This week Moss brought him back to the team where he spent two successful seasons, including the team's AFL championship in 2011.

Jacksonville clearly needs a spark after starting the season at 0-4. Jackson, however, is more interested on the positive aspects of the season - even if they aren't always easy to find.

"We missed extra points and lost the first two games by one point," Jackson said. "We've been in position to make plays the last two games. We just need to make a play, especially on defense. We're not far off.

"Look, Philadelphia started last year with three losses and they made the playoffs. It's an 18-game season. There's a long way to go. Stay positive. Stay with us."

The Sharks defense has struggled to stop any offense. The team has made just four stops - all on turnovers - this year and opponents are 6 for 7 against them on fourth down, including three for touchdowns.

And while Jacksonville has given up a league-high 237 points, Jackson was relieved to find a locker room that hasn't lost its edge.

"There is intensity in the locker room," he said. "You can see these guys are tired of losing. Every one of us has been on a winning team before. This week will be different."

The visiting Outlaws (2-1) have some familiar faces. Former Sharks quarterback Aaron Garcia, who led Jacksonville to its championship, is the head coach and former Jacksonville co-owner and legendary rocker Vince Neil owns the expansion team.